Information for Prospective Instructors

Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA) Annual Spring Sessions

ELLA is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organization founded in 2001 to provide high quality and affordable non-credit lifelong learning to adults 50+. ELLA offers courses that stimulate mind and body through a range of topics in Fine Arts, Sciences, Humanities, Fitness and Leisure. You can view previous Spring Session course guides to see the types of courses offered.

The program originated in the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension in 1972.The Faculty continues to provide infrastructure support including a dedicated Academic Liaison. The University provides classrooms, mainly in the Education Building.

Single-period courses are 70 minutes a day, five days a week, for a total of 17.5 instructional hours. Some courses, most commonly in Fine Arts, are double sessions – i.e. 140 minutes each day/ 35 instructional hours. Through the Faculty of Extension, ELLA pays instructors a competitive fee that is reviewed and adjusted as necessary each year. The Faculty of Extension requires that instructors have at least a master’s degree or equivalent experience.

All courses are non-credit, with no exams and no homework. Some instructors share their notes, internet links and suggested readings with their students in hard copy or online through ELLA.

The program runs for the three weeks prior to Victoria Day in May. Planning for the next year begins immediately after Spring Session, and the program is set by October.

Instructors interested in teaching an ELLA course are invited to contact us at (780) 492-5055 or by email to exella@ualberta.ca. If emailing, use Program Development in the subject line.